Review of Irreversible (2002) by Jennifer A — 06 Feb 2010

Irreversible: Crossing the boundary from art to exploitation.

Irreversible (2003) - 2.4/10.

Director - Gaspar Noe.

Cast - Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, Albert Dupontel, Jo Prestia, Philippe Nahon, Stephane Drouot.

Easily one of the most divisive films of the past decade, Gaspar Noe's "Irreversible" is hailed as uncomprisingly brilliant in some circles and shockingly exploitive in other circles. Well uncomprising and shocking are certainly adjectives that help descibe this film.

Told in reverse chronological order, "Irreversible" begins with brutal beating in a gay sex club. As we work our way backwards we discover it's a tale of revenge. Marcus (Vincent Cassel) is out to find the man who brutally raped his girlfriend Alex (Monica Bellucci). And about 45 minutes into the film we see the actual rape. This is perhaps the most disturbing ten minutes of film I have ever experienced, and I can pretty much stomach anything. Now I can understand the need to show such a scene, but to allow it to go on and on and on is where this film crossed the fine line from art to exploitation. The point could have been driven home in a minute or less but Noe's decision to drag it out wasn't to make some statement on violence; it was more of a sick climax as he knew he had precious little else to fill the rest of his film. And after a pause (yes I needed a break after this scene) it was quite clear Noe didn't have much interest in developing characters. In fact that's what makes the reverse order feel so gimmicky, unlike say "Memento". Had Noe told the story in chronological order he would have lost most of his audience before the shockfest began. I imagine most of this films fervent followers and repeat viewers don't bother with the rest of the film either; stopping after the rape scene.

On a positive note Noe does at least possess some skills as a visual director. His disorienting camera spins go beyond your typical shaky cam. His use of light (or lack of) and color are impressive as well. Whether he matures as a storyteller or is content on being a shock meister remains to be seen.